Jason T. HUNT

Jason T. Hunt, 43, of Wellsville died Friday, July 11, 2025, at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

Born August 18, 1981, in Wellsville, he was the son of James and Lois Pensyl Hunt, who survive. Jason graduated from Wellsville High School in 2000 and worked at Air Preheater, Dresser Rand, and Tim Shea Plumbing and Heating before enlisting in the United State Marine Corps in April 2004. On February 18, 2006, in Wellsville, he married Jessica LaFleur, of Cuba.

After completing basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he attended Marine Combat Training and Field Radio Operator training at 29 Palms, California, before being assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

His first deployment to Iraq took him to Fallujah in 2005, as radio operator for Weapons Company, Dragon Platoon. The company’s main mission during that deployment was hunting for improvised explosive devices along military supply and transportation routes. About two weeks into that mission, the platoon spotted a suspicious vehicle on the roadside. Jason volunteered to drive a Humvee to push the car out of the way, and what happened next was caught on camera by a CNN new team. The car was loaded with explosives that were remotely detonated, engulfing the Humvee in a ball of fire and knocking the cameraman to the ground. Jason was able to escape the attack and went on to pull security while the rest of the platoon pulled equipment and ammunition from the wreckage. The video from that incident has been used in many documentaries and Hollywood films about the war in Iraq. A week or two later, a vehicle in the convoy he was traveling in overturned in a canal. Jason dove in and rescued three people who were trapped underwater, pulling them out of their vehicle and to safety.

In 2006, Jason deployed to Iraq a second time, to the city of Ramadi. At that time, it was one of the worst sniper threats in world, and Marines were under constant fire, dodging bullets and improvised explosive devices while fighting the insurgency door to door in close urban neighborhoods. He was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Platoon on that rotation. He lost a lot of brothers there. The injuries he accumulated there and in Fallujah led to his medical retirement as a Corporal in 2008. Corporal Hunt was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat V for valor, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Good Conduct medal, in addition to ribbons and medals associated with his war time service in Iraq, and a Sharpshooter designation for his Rifle qualification badge.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Jason is survived by two daughters, Kennedy and Vivian, who were the lights and greatest accomplishments of his life. He is also survived by his sister, Melanie; his brother, Austin; his brother-in-law Kyle Streeter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Preceding him in death was his Marine brother-in-arms and mentor, Sgt William Morrow, of Yancey County, N.C.

Jason was a complicated man. At his best, he was polite and generous to a fault. He was always willing to lend a hand, could light up an arena with his smile and could bring the house down with one of his keen observations or witty remarks. His bravery in the face of enemy fire and his big heart that pushed him to help people in need were remarkable. His larger-than-life reputation was exactly the right size.

There will be no services, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be open to all. The date, location and time will be announced as soon as those details are set. Donations and memorials in his name should be made to an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.